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Improving the detection of congenital syphilis: reviewing test utility and adherence to recommendations

Western Australia (WA) has experienced a resurgence of congenital syphilis. Appropriate microbiology testing of the neonate is recommended to confirm infection, including syphilis immunoglobulin M (IgM), rapid plasma reagin (RPR) paired with a maternal sample, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on placenta and nasal swabs.

Trimodal skin health programme for childhood impetigo control in remote Western Australia (SToP): a cluster randomised, stepped-wedge trial

Skin infections affect physical health and, through stigma, social-emotional health. When untreated, they can cause life-threatening conditions. We aimed to assess the effect of a holistic, co-designed, region-wide skin control programme on the prevalence of impetigo.

Multi-methods process evaluation of the SToP (See, Treat, Prevent) trial: a cluster randomised, stepped wedge trial to support healthy skin

Healthy skin is important for maintaining overall physical and cultural health and wellbeing. However, remote-living Australian Aboriginal children contend with disproportionally high rates of Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A) infected impetigo. 

Recommendations for Sun Protection in Children and Young People: A Systematic Review of Guidelines and Consensus Statements

Ultraviolet radiation is the leading preventable cause of skin cancer, and early-life exposure increases long-term risk. Despite this, guidelines on sun protection for children and young people are inconsistent. 

From random care to randomized clinical trials of patients with invasive streptococcal infections—research prioritisation and areas of equipoise

Life-threatening invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) are unpredictable, frequently fatal, and are increasing in incidence globally. In the absence of evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical management for these conditions varies. Understanding current management approaches and areas of clinical equipoise will inform planning of feasible high-impact RCTs.

Automated reporting of primaquine dose efficacy, tolerability and safety for Plasmodium vivax malaria using a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis

The antirelapse efficacy of primaquine is related to the total dose administered, whereas the risks of haemolysis and gastrointestinal intolerance are associated with the daily dose administered. National Malaria Control Programmes require local information on efficacy, tolerability and safety to optimize antimalarial treatment policies for Plasmodium vivax malaria control and elimination efforts.

A Novel Unadjuvanted Subunit Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Vaccine Induces Potent and Differentiated Functional Immune Responses Compared to AS01-Adjuvanted Arexvy in Older Adults

Licensed recombinant protein respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines can prevent substantial morbidity in older adults. However, revaccination to prevent waning protection may be suboptimal, prompting the exploration of candidates for heterologous boosting. In this clinical trial of RSV vaccine-naive older adults, we evaluated SCB-1019T, a novel unadjuvanted bivalent RSV prefusion F (preF) protein vaccine stabilized via Trimer-Tag technology, in comparison to the licensed AS01E-adjuvanted RSV vaccine Arexvy. 

Diverse diagnostic and management approaches for acute rheumatic fever in Australia and New Zealand: findings of a prospective clinical study

This study provides new knowledge on ARF characteristics and management and highlights international variation in diagnostic and management practice.

The Unintended Impact of COVID-19 Associated Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions on Paediatric Hospital Admissions: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis

COVID-19 related non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) disrupted global healthcare utilisation, with notable declines in infection related paediatric hospitalisations. We aimed to identify non-infectious paediatric conditions for which the incidence of hospital admissions increased during the introduction and alleviation of NPIs in 2020.

Randomised controlled trials of behavioural nudges delivered through text messages to increase influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women (EPIC study) in Australia

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women is sub-optimal. We assessed the effectiveness of a multi-component behavioural nudge intervention to improve COVID-19 and influenza vaccine uptake among pregnant women.